Chana DalChana dal, also known as Bengal gram in Britain is the most widely grown and most popular legume in India and a staple food in Indian diet. It looks like split peas but is more related to chickpeas- garbanzo beans. Bengal gram has a mildly sweet flavor and a great texture that does not get mushy. It cooks quite fast and does not require long pre-soaking. Very suitable for vegetarian burgers or can be eaten as a quick snack with some pickles. It can be used in soups, casseroles, dips or salads- basically anywhere you can use garbanzos. Chana Dal- Bengal Gram Nutritional Value:Although bengal gram is a close relative of garbanzos, it has a much lower glycemic index value and tastes sweeter than either garbanzo beans or split peas. It has an average GI value of 8, which is very low by any standards. Very low in glycemic index Great for diabetics- it won't cause spikes in your blood sugar Delicious Nutritious Easily digested Low fat High protein Egg and dairy free- vegan Wheat-free It contains good amounts of iron, B vitamins and calcium. 
Spicy Bengal Gram Recipe:Ingredients: 1 medium onion, chopped 1 tbsp of garlic 1 tbsp of ginger 1 cup of chana dal 1/2 tsp turmeric powder 1/2 tsp red chilli powder 1 medium tomato, chopped 1 tbsp canola oil or ghee Lemon juice Garam masalas- 2 bay leaves, 4 cloves, 2 cardomoms 1. Soak the bengal gram overnight, wash it thoroughly, add 4-5 cups of water and boil rapidly for about 10-12 minutes. 2. Heat the oil or ghee on a pan, add the garam masalas then onions, garlic and ginger. 3. Fry them for a few minutes then add the tomatoes and chilli powder / turmeric with a little bit of water. 4. Add the bengal gram, fry a little then add 3 cups of water. 5. No need to use salt- best to get used to eating without salt! 6. Bring to boil and simmer for about 20-25 mins on low heat. 7. Enjoy it with any Indian bread or low GI basmati rice. *Here I'd like to tell you about my favorite diet program that uses a lot of the healthy lower GI foods: Isabel de los Rios' 'The Diet Solution Program'. The Diet Solution Program favours a long term health orientated approach to fat loss, but not offering anyone a quick fix to their weight troubles. It has loads of valuable data and research to support its approach. I personally investigated the program thoroughly and my mum has been using it for a while now. I have to say she got some great results. The nutrition plan is one of the healthiest we have seen, a strong core focus on vegetables, fruits, vitamin dense foods, lean proteins, select dairy produce and a clear approach to not expecting one diet to work for all body types. So give it a try and let me know how youre doing.*
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